The Literal Heart of Jesus (#1 Blog post)

Book: The Fault in Our Stars
Character: Augustus Waters

"Someone Should Tell Jesus"

    I went to a support group that my friend Isaac attends at the local church. The Support Group met every Wednesday in the basement of a church that is shaped like a cross. We sit in a circle in the basement so we are positioned in the “literal heart of Jesus.” Everyone had to participate and say their name, age, sickness, and how they’re feeling. Augustus Waters, 17, osteosarcoma a year or so ago. I’m grand. Being there by Isaac’s request, I didn’t talk much to any of the other teenagers in the group but I did meet a girl named Hazel Grace.

    I never directly introduced myself to her in other times that the group has met. That day was one of the last days that the Support Group met. Hazel Grace was standing across the room wearing a band shirt and slightly baggy jeans. I kept staring at her, appreciating her beauty, and even when we sat down I didn’t stop staring. She would take quick glances, making accidental eye contact, then quickly look away. Soon enough, she started staring at me as well and after a while I only smiled and looked away.

    The meeting was awfully long and I noticed neither Hazel Grace or I have spoken since we introduced ourselves. To avoid that, Patrick, the Support Group leader, asked me to share my fears. I replied by saying that I fear oblivion. Patrick seemed lost and so did everyone else until Hazel Grace decided to participate in the discussion. I was interested in what she had to say, knowing that she doesn’t say much. She said something interesting and told the group that one day we will all be gone and forgotten and that our species will no longer be remembered. She said no one will remember famous people in history let alone, us. That made me smile widely. After that no one said much and we ended Group in a prayer.